- Nine people have been killed and 23 wounded in Thailand's worst mass shooting since 2022, which occurred at Debsirin Nonthaburi School.
- The alleged gunman, a 14-year-old student, shot dead his grandparents at their home at dawn before taking a bus to the school, 18km away, where he started shooting just before 10am.
- Over the course of 40 minutes, the gunman killed three teachers and two school officials before turning the gun on himself.
- Following the shooting, PM Anutin discussed the need for stricter gun controls and rejected a proposal to allow teachers to carry guns for self-defense.
- The shooting has reignited debate over firearms control in Thailand, a country known for having one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Southeast Asia.
- PM Anutin emphasized the need for amending legislation to introduce stricter controls on firearms and to ensure that illegal guns are seized.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is pushing for stricter gun laws after a devastating school shooting in Nonthaburi, where a 14-year-old student killed three teachers and two officials, leaving nine dead and 23 wounded.14
The shooting, which occurred on Friday morning, began when the alleged gunman shot his grandparents before traveling to the school, where he opened fire just before 10 a.m. “I heard multiple gunshots and felt like we weren’t going to survive,” recalled a student named Khim, who described the chaos as classmates barricaded themselves in a classroom.23
In response to the tragedy, Anutin emphasized the need for legislative amendments to tighten firearm controls. He stated, “Priority must be given to setting up checkpoints and conducting inspections.” He rejected proposals allowing teachers to carry firearms, asserting that “firearms should not be allowed” in schools.
Anutin also highlighted the importance of registering guns kept at home and ensuring they are stored securely, out of children’s reach. He noted that both the registered owner and anyone using a weapon in an offense would be held accountable.
The Prime Minister's comments come amid ongoing investigations into the shooting, with concerns raised about bullying as a potential motive. He urged the public to refrain from speculation while authorities conduct their inquiries.
The incident has reignited a national debate on gun control in Thailand, a country with one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Southeast Asia.
“The alleged gunman first shot his grandparents at dawn before taking a bus to school, where he opened fire just before 10am. Anutin rejected arming teachers, insisting on checkpoints and mandatory registration of home guns.”
South China Morning Post
The Star
